A BID to give Blandford a much-needed wish-list library is being shelved for the time being after an application for crucial National Lottery funding failed.

But disappointed supporters are vowing the door won't be closed on the plans despite the major blow, and say they are still looking at other ways of making the new library a reality.

County chiefs had hoped to secure £1.9m in lottery funding towards the £3 million cost of a 21st Century library, which they had wanted to build in West Street to include a tourist information centre, a learning resource area and public toilets.

The town's existing library at the Tabernacle is half the size of the proposed facilities and is described as tired, operating in cramped accommodation.

Its counter area and entrance were improved earlier this year, giving it a more up-to-date appearance, thanks to a £5,000 bequest from a customer.

County library bosses had hoped this would be only a temporary measure while the Lottery application was being processed.

Dorset's senior customer services manager, Roger Dale, said: "It is a big disappointment, because although we knew it was going to be very competitive with 149 local authorities eligible for a share, we were very pleased with our bid and had the backing of the community.

"But the criteria were very tight in terms of community and developing additional services.

"Simply needing a better building was not enough."

He said that the project's partners, including the chamber of trade, civic society and the town council, had been told the news and had been very supportive.

But he added that the Lottery decision now meant the county council would be unable to proceed with the scheme at present, although it remained committed to giving the people of Blandford the modern library they needed.